3 News (New Zealand)
Tuesday 16 March 2010
The New Zealand cricket team’s decision not to play in Zimbabwe has sparked a row between the two countries with an accusation New Zealand has its facts wrong.
The Black Caps won’t travel to the southern African country because of safety and health concerns but Zimbabwe’s Sport Minister calls that nonsense.
David Coltart argues since a power sharing government was set up in 2008, Zimbabwe has vastly improved security and health. “I think the reasons used are disingenuous…to say that you don’t want to come because of safety and health concerns is simply ridiculous,†says Mr Coltart.
Mr Coltart says he is an opponent of Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe and was hoping New Zealand support would add credibility to their fledgling democracy.